Week 15 NFL Picks Against the Spread (Yanotchko)

Here are my Week 15 NFL picks against the spread:

Jacksonville Jaguars +2.5 (over Buffalo Bills)

The Jaguars have been on fire of late, which is a strange thing to say, but they have won three games in a row. The Bills have struggled as they have dropped two in a row, but head coach Doug Marrone has them playing hard.

Jacksonville has stepped it up on defense as of late, as they have only allowed an average of 59.2 rushing yards per game in their last four. Even though Maurice Jones-Drew is expected to miss this week's game, the Jaguars rushing attack led by Jordan Todman should be able to gash a Buffalo unit that allows 124 yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry.

I always love the small dogs at home, and I will take the two here, as Jacksonville has been playing well down the stretch.

The Eagles are flying high under rookie head coach Chip Kelly, and they will look to add their sixth straight win against a banged up Vikings squad. The Vikings may be without all-world running back Adrian Peterson, and even if he does play, he will be slowed up by a sprained foot.

In addition, the Eagles have history on their side as well, as they have gone 5-1 against the number in their last six vs. Minnesota. Also the Eagles love to throw the ball, and Nick Foles and crew have one of the best matchups possible, going against a defense that allows 282 yards per game, and 29 passing touchdowns through the air.

I think this game would be much closer if Peterson were healthy and/or (definitely) playing, but since there is sincere doubt, I will gladly lay less than a touchdown.

New England Patriots -1 (over Miami Dolphins)

Say what you want about New England, but they have been just finding ways to keep winning, and now they will be tested as Rob Gronkowski is gone for the year.

The Patriots yearly trip to Miami used to be a house of horrors, but as of late New England has shown dominance by going 5-2 in their last seven against the spread. The Patriots will now turn to their ground game, and they will use a three-headed monster of Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, and LeGarrette Blount that will face a Miami rush defense that allows 118 yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry. Also the Patriots rushed for 152 yards earlier this year against Miami.

And of course Tom Brady has been rounding into form, as he is averaging 357 yards per game in his last four to go with eight touchdowns. I will lay a single point here, as the Patriots have the chance to have home field advantage.